US Equestrian Magazine

Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation | Fall 2023

THE BARN FAMILY Tips for Creating that Family Feeling

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CONTENTS

FEATURES 48 BARN FAMILY Tips for transitioning out of junior competition

56 NEURODIVERSE

48

RIDERS

Sustaining equine safety nets

DEPARTMENTS 8

Partners

10 Sponsors 14 Letter from the President 18 USEF News 26 Seen & Heard 34 I Am US Equestrian

56

42 Trending A supportive barn community sparks joy and long-term engagement with horses. Photo: Avery Wallace/US Equestrian

Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation | Fall 2023

THE BARN FAMILY Tips for Creating that Family Feeling

4 FALL ISSUE 2023

64 For the Record

PHOTOS: SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY

30 Safe Sport

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Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation

US EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE Volume LXXXVII, Fall 2023 PUBLISHED BY The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. CHIEF MARKETING & CONTENT OFFICER Vicki Lowell | vlowell@usef.org EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Glenye Cain Oakford | goakford@usef.org CREATIVE DIRECTOR Candice McCown | cmccown@usef.org ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kim Russell | 859 225 6938 | krussell@usef.org DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP & SALES Layson Griffin | lgriffin@usef.org ASSISTANT DESIGNER Kendall Neubeiser EDITORIAL STAFF Emily Girard, Kathleen Landwehr, Kim Russell CONTRIBUTING WRITER Kim and Ciara Doyle Equestrian Magazine (ISSN 1548-873X) is published five times a year: Horse of the Year Special Edition, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, by the United States Equestrian Federation®, 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, KY 40511; Phone: (859) 258-2472; Fax: (859) 231-6662. (ISSN:1548-873X). NOTE: Effective Spring issue of 2018, Equestrian magazine will be published and provided electronically and only four editions will have printed copies and be provided by U.S. Mail. The Winter issue will only be provided electronically. The Horse of the Year issue will be mailed only to competing members as of the date of publication and the year immediately prior to the date of publication. USEF is not responsible for the opinions and statements expressed in signed articles and paid advertisements. These opinions are not necessarily the opinions of USEF and its staff. While the Federation makes every effort to avoid errors, we assume no liability to anyone for mistakes or omissions. It is the policy of the Federation to report factually and accurately in Equestrian and to encourage and to publish corrections whenever warranted. Kindly direct any comments or inquiries regarding corrections to Glenye Cain Oakford goakford@usef.org or by direct dial 859-225-6941. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to US Equestrian, 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, KY 40511. Canadian Publications Agreement No. 40845627. For Canadian returns, mail to Canada Express, 7686 #21 Kimble Street Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5S1E9. (905) 672-8100. Reproduction of any article, in whole or part, by written permission only of the Editor. Equestrian: Publisher, United States Equestrian Federation®, Chief Executive Officer, William J. Moroney (859) 225-6912. Director of Advertising, Kim Russell (859) 225-6938.

Copyright © 20120 Equestrian is the official publication of the United States Equestrian Federation, the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in the USA, and is an official publication of USEF.

Published at 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, Ky 40511 USequestrian.org

#JointheJoy Follow us on social media @USequestrian 6 FALL ISSUE 2023

8 SEATS, INFINITE ADVENTURES

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PARTNERS Proud partners of US Equestrian

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Official Vehicle & MemberPerk Title Sponsor of the U.S. Eventing Team Title Sponsor of the U.S. Driving Team landroverusa.com

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8 FALL ISSUE 2023

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Official Shock Wave Therapy Supplier of US Equestrian Team Vets pulsevet.com

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The United States Equestrian Federation does not endorse or recommend any commercial product or service. Therefore, designations as official suppliers of the USEF of any commercial product or service cannot be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by the United States Equestrian Federation.

10 FALL ISSUE 2023

First of its kind.

Still one of a kind.

After 30 years, Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is still the only FDA-Approved 1, 2 equine intramuscular PSGAG joint treatment available. And still the only one proven to:

Reduce inflammation Restore synovial joint lubrication Repair joint cartilage Reverse the disease process Adequan® i.m. actually treats degenerative joint disease, and not just the signs.

Ask your veterinarian if Adequan® i.m. is the right choice for your horse. Learn more at adequan.com.

www.adequan.com BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. PRECAUTIONS: The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. For customer care, or to obtain product information, visit www.adequan.com. To report an adverse event please contact American Regent, Inc. at 1-888-354-4857 or email pv@americanregent.com.

Please see Full Prescribing Information at www.adequan.com.

1 Adequan® i.m. Package Insert, Rev 1/19.

2 Burba DJ, Collier MA, DeBault LE, Hanson-Painton O, Thompson HC, Holder CL: In vivo kinetic study on uptake and distribution of intramuscular tritium-labeled polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in equine body fluid compartments and articular cartilage in an osteochondral defect model. J Equine Vet Sci 1993; 13: 696-703.

All trademarks are the property of American Regent, Inc. © 2022, American Regent, Inc. PP-AI-US-0442 (v2.0) 05/2022

SPONSORS Proud sponsors of US Equestrian

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Preferred Greeting Card and Stationery Supplier of US Equestrian MemberPerk & Competition MemberPerk horseshoegreetings.com

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HORSE MATCH Official Academic Sponsor upperechelonacademy.com

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Official Sponsor Presenting Sponsor of the USEF Pony Finals honorhillfarms.com

Title Sponsor of USEF Junior Hunter Finals.

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The United States Equestrian Federation does not endorse or recommend any commercial product or service. Therefore, designations as official suppliers of the USEF of any commercial product or service cannot be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by the United States Equestrian Federation.

12 FALL ISSUE 2023

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Cultivating a Barn Family for All Equestrians It’s a phenomenon many of us have experienced. After a bad day at school or the office, we arrive at the barn under a bit of a cloud. By the time we leave a few hours later, whatever gloom we brought with us is gone, dispelled by the friendly banter and laughter with barnmates, the pleasure of sharing our love of horses, and the great lesson we’ve received from our trainer. That’s part of the reason we’re often so quick to think of our fellow equestrians as a family. They can understand this important part of our lives in a way people outside the equestrian community might not—and they can provide support, joy, comfort, and solidarity that feel similar to that of a happy family.

In this issue, we consider how and why that bond of fellowship grows among equestrians, as well as how to cultivate it. Our cover story touches on why that close community is important and asks trainers from around the country how they have achieved that family feeling in their own barns or, in the case of National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s reigning Head Coach of the Year, on a team with Western and jumping seat riders and their supporters. Their sage advice is worth noting both in and beyond the barn, as are their creative ideas for inspiring and sustaining a friendly team spirit that can stay with lesson students, boarders, parents, and friends long after they leave the barn for the night.

For Kim and Ciara Doyle, the mother-and-daughter vaulters featured in this issue’s “I Am US Equestrian” column, equestrian sport is literally a family affair. The pair each tell their own story in our pages, but those stories understandably are intertwined: daughter Ciara inspired her mom, lifelong equestrian Kim, to try vaulting at age 45. Through their involvement in the sport, they both train and compete together. “I like that it’s an ‘us’ sport rather than a ‘me’ sport,” Ciara explains.

One key to a warm “family” feeling in any equestrian community is inclusion, or, to paraphrase US Equestrian’s vision statement, bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.

Just as no two individuals necessarily see and experience the world in exactly the same way, people also experience horses in different ways. In the feature “A Meeting of Minds,” we get the perspective of several neurodiverse equestrians, as well as trainers and program directors who work with neurodiverse equestrians, about their experience of equestrian environments and what they feel they have gained from a life with horses.

Inclusivity in every sport relies on a safe environment for all participants. At US Equestrian, we are dedicated to providing resources to help all of our members access and ensure fairness, safety, and enjoyment at all levels of equestrian sport. In this issue’s Safe Sport department, we look ahead to Anti-Bullying Month in October with a brief overview of the USEF Safe Sport Policy’s section on bullying, including how bullying and cyberbullying are defined, and what steps to take if you or someone you know feels bullied. Remember, this is no place for bullying when creating a fun barn environment, especially for our next generation of equestrians.

At USEF, we work every day to build on a safe and welcoming community for all who are attracted to the horse, from the fan to the new lesson student to the longtime competitor. It’s truly a community that inspires us every day with its breadth of wisdom, skill, accomplishments, and generosity of spirit.

Tom O’Mara President

14 FALL ISSUE 2023

PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN

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USEF NEWS

USEF President Tom O’Mara leads the midyear board meeting in Lexington, Ky., in June.

During its annual mid-year in Lexington, Ky., on June 19-20, the USEF board heard updates from around the sport, learned from leading experts, and made several important decisions that directly impact USEF members and their horses.

The board’s actions included the following rule changes, which will go into effect on December 1, 2023, for the 2024 competition year unless otherwise noted.

Equine Safety & Wellbeing GR1101.1 (036-22) - Microchipping Beginning December 1, 2025, all horses competing in USEF licensed or endorsed competitions must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO compliant 11784/11785 chip that is implanted in the nuchal ligament of the horse’s neck. The microchipping of horses is fundamental to equine well-being, especially during times of disease outbreaks, natural disasters, in cases of theft, and to protect against fraud.

GR1215.3 (033-22) – Requiring Adequate Rest for Horses at Competitions In the interest of health and the wellbeing of the horse, minimal lighting and noise are mandated at all licensed competitions for a minimum of six consecutive hours overnight.

The USEF Human and Equine Safety & Welfare Committee proposed this rule change to assist in allowing horses adequate rest and REM sleep which are necessary to avoid undue stress and impaired performance.

HJ106.2 (247-22) – Horse Identification While on Competition Grounds A rule change mandating that all horses on the grounds of hunter, jumper, and hunter/jumper competitions have a 18 FALL ISSUE 2023

competition-issued back number either attached to the horse or to the person riding, handling, or exercising the horse at all times while in a schooling, longeing, or exercise area. The requirement, originally proposed by USHJA, represents a safety measure, and will aid significantly in identification and wellbeing efforts on the part of both horses and humans.

EQ104.1, HU100.1 & JP102.2 (249-22) – Excessive Lunging Excessive longeing; longeing a visibly exhausted or obviously lame horse; and excessive, disruptive, or otherwise inappropriate use of a longe whip has now been added to the list of prohibited acts under the Horse Welfare rules for hunters, jumpers, and hunter/jumping seat equitation.

GR1033.5 (023-22) – Number of Stewards, TDs, and/or Certified Schooling Supervisors Required to Officiate As the number of horses or competition rings increases, the number of instances where a steward, technical delegate, or certified schooling supervisor is needed also increases. In order for stewards, technical delegates, and certified schooling supervisors to properly complete their designated duties, the number of licensed officials required during a competition will be increased as necessary to better align with the total number of horses competing and the number competition rings being utilized.

GR1215.5 (045-22) – Barn/Temporary Stabling Identification All permanent barn structures and temporary stabling on competition grounds must have clearly visible identification, such as numbers, letters, or names. This rule further supports equine (and human) safety and wellbeing, as it will allow medical personnel, veterinarians, stewards, safety coordinators, etc. to respond to emergency or general stabling situations promptly.

PHOTO: ZACK RYLE/US EQUESTRIAN

USEF Board Approves Rule Changes at Mid-Year Meeting

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USEF NEWS

USEF Board Approves Rule Changes at Mid-Year Meeting (cont.)

Human Athlete/Participant Safety and Welfare

Fairness/Level Playing Field GR1304.1 (049-22) – Conflict of Interest Rules for Licensed Officials The conflict-of-interest rules for USEF Licensed Officials will become consistent across all breeds and disciplines and the nature of conflicts of interest will be better clarified.

Hunter/Jumper - Expanded Competition Opportunities GR310.1 (044-22) – USEF Lite Competition License for Hunter/Jumper In the interest of increasing access to USEF competitions, the USEF Lite license has been expanded to include hunter/ jumper equestrians and competition organizers hosting entry-level competitions.

USEF Lite competitions provide a safe, fair, and accessible environment for competitors and offer competition organizers a user-friendly and affordable option that offers the same benefits and protections as a regular licensed competition with reduced barriers and lower costs.

For more on these rule changes, visit usef.org/media/press-releases/usef-boardof-directors-approves-rule-changes-at.

20 FALL ISSUE 2023

Community Outreach Organizations Awarded Grants US Equestrian has awarded more than $128,000 in USEF Opportunity Fund grants to 13 USEF Community Outreach Organizations in the fund’s second year.

The 2023 USEF Opportunity Fund grants will support a range of projects, from expanding programming and purchasing safety equipment to infrastructure improvements and business operations support. Grantees are (in alphabetical order) Beachwood Center for Wellbeing (Charlestown, R.I.), Ebony Horsewomen (Hartford, Conn.), GallopNYC (New York, N.Y.), Horse SenseAbility (Sherborn, Mass.), Horses N Heroes (Ocala, Fla.), Horses of Hope (Isabela, Puerto Rico), Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Mustang Troop (Lexington, Ky.), Kindle Hill Foundation Charity (Blue Bell, Pa.), Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center (Redmond, Wash.), Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue (Dover Plains, N.Y.), Manes for Movement (Torrance, Calif.), Maryland Therapeutic Riding Inc. (Crownsville, Md.), and Taking The Reins (Los Angeles, Calif.).

“I can’t say enough about these Community Outreach Organizations,” said USEF President Tom O’Mara. “I have learned so much about their missions, values, and operations over the past two years, and it’s just amazing to see and hear their stories and how they work with horses to help so many people.

“This started with US Equestrian members, from all around the country, identifying the need to connect with these organizations, and then it was easy to pitch the Community Outreach Program to the USEF Board and get an enthusiastic buy-in to make this work.”

Grants were awarded through a competitive grants-request process. One hundred percent of funds raised for the Opportunity Fund are dedicated to supporting the USEF Community Outreach Program and its recognized USEF Community Outreach Organizations. These organizations can be found across the country and are committed to bringing horses to traditionally under-represented and/or underserved communities, including active military and veterans; low-income individuals; people with disabilities; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; and more. The USEF Opportunity Fund aims to extend the reach and impact of these outstanding organizations to improve access to horses and bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.

These grants were made possible by the generous contributions of the USEF Board of Directors, members, partners, and competition organizers. Please consider supporting the Opportunity Fund with a donation today at usef.org/donate.

PHOTOS: AVERY WALLACE/US EQUESTRIAN

GR848.6 (032-22) – Return to Competition Protocols Licensed physical assistants and nurse practitioners are added to the list of individuals authorized to provide medical clearance for return to competition following an individual’s suspected head injury or concussion.

GR801.2 (030-22) – Helmet Certification The USEF Board approved the expansion of acceptable international testing standards for protective headgear at USEF licensed competitions. A full list of acceptable standards will be made available on the USEF website before Dec. 1, 2023.

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1. American Association of Equine Practitioners. AAEP Internal Parasite Control Guidelines. https://aaep.org/guidelines/parasite-control-guidelines. Accessed September 2022. *Compared to labels of Zimecterin®, Zimecterin Gold®, Eqvalan®, IverCare®, Duramectin, Bimectin®, EquiMAX®, Safe-Guard®, and Panacur®.

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USEF NEWS

USEF Debuts Vesicular Stomatitis Education Module

The U.S. Dressage Young Rider Team had a solid performance in the Future Champions CDIOY Hagen Nations Cup among a talented group of European competitors. Chef d’Equipe George Williams guided Kat Fuqua and Dreamgirl, Erin Nichols and Elian Royale, and Christian Simonson and Son of a Lady to a team bronze medal. Germany won gold with 216.372% with Denmark collecting silver on 215.196% and the U.S. rounding out the podium with 207.255%.

“We are quite pleased with our end results,” said Williams. “All three riders rode extremely well and showed a nice, correct, harmonious way of riding, which I was very proud of, because it is a very positive reflection on our programs in our country and all of our private coaches. Christian and Erin both had small bobbles in their test in one line of the series of changes, but they are little mistakes and I know they are going to come back much stronger tomorrow. I think Kat really stood out as probably one of the youngest riders in the division in her first time here. I think she held her own and did a super job.

“I think it is extremely important experience because of the level of competition and being able to compete against the best in the world in those age brackets,” said Williams of the European tour for young riders. “It is very motivational for the riders on several levels. They should feel very confident and proud that they are right in there with everyone else. It shows the strength of our country, but it also really is quite uplifting and confidence-building for them. … I think the experience of representing your country in a foreign country brings a lot with it, such as maturing as athletes and understanding the responsibilities and everything that goes with representing your country.”

22 FALL ISSUE 2023

PHOTO: FOTO MHISEN, COURTESY OF TEMEKU EQUINE

U.S. Dressage Young Rider Team Earns Bronze in Germany

With the vesicular stomatitis outbreak in California in June, USEF is now offering a new education module about the viral disease. The module is intended to safeguard horse health and the continuous operation of competitions, and it is available to members interested in learning more about VS and how to identify suspect lesions on horses.

The module provides • an overview of the VS virus • an outline of requirements for USEF-licensed competitions with horses from VS-affected areas • an explanation of USEF competition arrival protocols • photo examples of VS lesions • an outline of technicians’ and veterinarians’ roles in identifying and rejecting VS-suspect horses Eligibility for appointment as a “designated individual” under the VS policy can be attained by completing the module and a quiz.

Members can access the module at members.usef.org/education/biosecurity.

GIVE YOUR HORSE THE STOMACH

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ULCERGARD IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: ULCERGARD can be used in horses that weigh at least 600 lbs. Safety in pregnant mares has not been determined. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion, contact a physician.

ULCERGARD® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. ©2020 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-EQU-0189-2020

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In & Around the Ring “I nclusiveness is important. A discipline which invites all breeds to participate gives incentive to every horse owner for their horses to benefit from the teaching of good training techniques.”

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO, LESLIE POTTER/US EQUESTRIAN, TIMES FIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

- USEF affiliate Western Dressage Association of America on wdaa.org

26 FALL ISSUE 2023

“N

o matter where you are from, we all appreciate good horsemanship, friendship, and camaraderie. I’ve met some amazing people at these shows.”

- Photographer Vicki Correa, quoted by the USEF affiliate International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association at ialha.org

Above Left: Handler Libby Puchalla rewards Connemara pony Rainbow’s Shenandoah with a pat at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show in Upperville, Va., in June.

Above Right: Junior rider Kara Goff is all smiles during her jumping class aboard Wild Mambo at the BEST Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Md., in June.

Left: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum on the cross-country course at the SAP Cup CCIO4*-S eventing competition at CHIO Aachen in Germany on July 2. As the highest-placed U.S. pair, they led the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team’s second-place team effort and also finished third in the individual standings at Aachen.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 27

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SAFE SPORT

What is Bullying?

by Zack Ryle

In advance of Anti-Bullying Month in October, US Equestrian offers this reminder on spotting and preventing this form of abuse.

All equestrian athletes deserve an environment that allows them to be safe, to learn, and to enjoy their time with horses.

30 FALL ISSUE 2023

The above scenarios are obvious to most, but would you be able to spot bullying if it happened in your barn, in the ring, or anywhere in between?

We must first start by asking a question: what is bullying?

The USEF Safe Sport Policy states that bullying behavior is repeated and/or severe behavior(s) that are aggressive, directed at a minor, and intended or likely to hurt, control, or diminish the minor emotionally, physically, or sexually. (Bullying-like behaviors directed at adults are addressed under other forms of misconduct, such as hazing and/or harassment.)

While it is good to know the technical terms, the policy also breaks down some categories of examples to make it easier to know if something is bullying in the equestrian world.

Examples of bullying behavior may include, without limitation, repeated and/ or severe: • Physical Hitting, pushing, punching, beating, biting, striking, kicking, strangling, slapping, spitting at, or throwing objects (such as sporting equipment) at another person • Verbal Ridiculing, taunting, name-calling, intimidating, or threatening to cause someone harm • Social media, including cyberbullying Use of rumors or false statements about someone to diminish that person’s reputation; using electronic communications, social media, or other technology to harass, frighten, intimidate, or humiliate someone; socially excluding someone and asking others to do the same • Criminal conduct Bullying behavior includes any conduct described as bullying under federal or state law.

US Equestrian does not condone any bullying, whether or not it is covered by the policy, and US Equestrian is here to support all our members. If you have experienced

or witnessed an action that you believe meets the above stated standards, please reach out to our office by visiting usef.org/ safe-sport/reporting and scrolling down to Report Non-Sexual Misconduct.

What Is Not Considered Bullying While it is important to know what bullying is, it is equally important to know what bullying isn’t. That line can be thin, but we want to help you know when something isn’t bullying under the policy.

Bullying does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team-building, or appropriate discipline.

Conduct that does not rise to the level of bullying includes rude behavior (inadvertently saying or doing something hurtful), mean actions (purposefully saying or doing something hurtful, but not as part of a pattern of behavior), actions arising from conflict or struggle between persons who perceive they have incompatible views and/or positions, conflicts arising from business disputes (e.g., horse sales, boarding fees), or social media comments/posts directed towards an adult.

Just because these actions do not constitute bullying, it doesn’t mean that they do not cause harm. Next steps could include • Go to a trusted adult.

• Find more information at stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now.

• Schedule a visit with a therapist.

USEF members get up to three free visits. For more information, visit usef.org/ safe-sport/mental-health-resources.

Bullying is not just an equestrian problem. It is much bigger than us, but that doesn’t mean it is hopeless. Our goal at US Equestrian is to equip our athletes and their support networks, and to help those in the equestrian world to understand what is and isn’t bullying, how to report behavior that is bullying, where to find resources, and how to help those being bullied. Our athletes deserve a bully-free environment.

PHOTO: SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY

We have all heard of the term bullying. When you hear the word, your mind goes to a specific scenario. Maybe it is the prototypical scene of someone stuffed in a locker. Or maybe it is a group of students whispering as you walk down the hallway.

We all know that those are forms of bullying, and they should not be tolerated.

October is Anti-Bullying Month, and we at US Equestrian want to make sure that our members know what bullying is, what bullying isn’t, how to spot the difference, and the steps to take when you see bullying.

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I AM US EQUESTRIAN

“It’s an ‘Us’ Sport Rather Than a ‘Me’ Sport”

by Kim and Ciara Doyle

Mother-daughter vaulting athletes Kim and Ciara Doyle say the sport has brought them closer to each other and to their horses.

Mother and daughter vaulting athletes Kim and Ciara Doyle in practice together at Fleur de Lis Vaulters in Lexington, Ky.

34 FALL ISSUE 2023

Ciara’s story I liked gymnastics when I was younger, but I wasn’t very good at it. With vaulting you don’t need to know that much gymnastic stuff. Vaulting combines all the most fun things I could have thought of when I was younger: gymnastics, dance, and horses. And it all works together.

I’ve never actually been good at dancing; I still can’t dance.

But when I feel connected to my freestyle music, I can access those emotions and put them into my vaulting.

I always had a good seat when I was younger, but I never really understood how to always keep a good seat until I started vaulting. When you’re riding, if you don’t have a full connection, you can kind of cheat and go into a half-seat. But in vaulting, where you’re standing, it’s a lot more obvious when you don’t have connection with your horse. In vaulting, the stand is your normal riding seat, but elevated, so everything your hips would be doing if you were sitting in the saddle, your feet are doing in the stand. I feel vaulting has improved my riding and my harmony with the horse.

It’s also been cool to be able to turn our own riding horses into high-level vaulting horses. I never knew how to train a horse before this, and training horses for vaulting is just so different.

I find it interesting, and it’s very nice to see a horse grow and have them grow along with you.

The horse that we have almost fully trained, Tiny, he couldn’t even longe for years because he was so unbalanced. He couldn’t balance himself at all, and he would just lean on you. It takes a lot to teach them to keep a consistent gait the whole time

PHOTO: LESLIE POTTER/US EQUESTRIAN

Kim and Ciara Doyle are making the equestrian discipline of vaulting a family affair. The mother-daughter team discovered the sport at a free vaulting club in their home state of Kentucky.

“I thought it was basically just trick riding, but then I really started learning about the sport,” said daughter Ciara, 20.

Today, Ciara and mom Kim, 50, both train and compete with Fleur de Lis Vaulters, a nonprofit vaulting program in Lexington, Ky. They spoke with US Equestrian together about their shared love of the sport, what they’ve gained from it, and the bond they feel with their extended family: the vaulting community.

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USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 35

I AM US EQUESTRIAN

Kim’s story I had been watching Ciara in practice for several years. I had always loved gymnastics and dance when I was younger, and I loved horses and riding. But watching her, I would always say to myself, “Wow, if only I’d known about this when I was younger, I would have absolutely loved it.”

Then one year our coach, Mikhail Proctor, had a Mother’s Day vaulting practice. I did it, and I just got addicted.

I was 45 when I started. I did buy into the myth that I was too old to try this until I actually did try it. Then I thought, “Actually, I can do this. I’m not going to be as good as a teenage girl, but I can do it.”

I’ve lost flexibility as I’ve aged, so I have to work a lot harder on the fitness and the strength. I have to spend a lot of time in the gym and do a lot of riding to keep myself well balanced to be able to keep up with the teenagers. But I hope it’s an inspiration to other people to realize that you’re not too old to start an equestrian sport.

People in vaulting have been very welcoming. I’m not what you typically see in the vaulting arena, and people show a lot of admiration. I just encourage them to do it. I do occasionally see other vaulters my age out there, and we always have an immediate bond.

Vaulting is a small community, and everybody knows and supports each other. You know all the vaulters and vaulting horses, and when you hear of a horse in another state that has passed away or has an injury, people let other clubs borrow their horses. I can’t think of another sport where people would just say, “Oh, sure, get on my horse.” It’s such an inclusive and inviting discipline.

When I was younger, I used take a free horse of the racetrack, retrain it to event, and sell it when it was going nicely. It was the only 36 FALL ISSUE 2023

Ciara and Kim Doyle in a practice session with trainer Mikhail Proctor at Fleur de Lis Vaulters in Lexington, Ky.

“YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD. JUST GO OUT THERE AND DO IT.” —KIM DOYLE

PHOTO: LESLIE POTTER/US EQUESTRIAN

and to ignore what the vaulter is doing while maneuvering around on their back.

I started vaulting at age 12 and had been competing for about three years when my mom got involved. Vaulting and competing with my mom could be a little frustrating sometimes at first, because vaulting was my getaway time.

But now that we’re training together, I like that it’s an “us” sport rather than a “me” sport. It’s definitely improved our relationship, as well as our connection with the horses. It helps a lot that we both have a goal with our horses that we can work toward together.

Along the way I’ve learned that my mom was willing to do so much to help with my vaulting.

We’re measured by what we accomplish and remembered by what we pass on.

In life, hard work and determination yield rewards and glory.

But it’s by ensuring the success of future generations that a legacy is truly built.

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way I could afford to do the sport. Now I’m on horses I’ve been on for years and have spent a lot of time with. I think I’ve gained a whole new appreciation of my horse as my teammate and partner. You have such a connection with them.

In vaulting, the horse has to listen to the longueur rather than what’s happening on its back.

That’s the main difference in training a vaulting horse: they’re not listening to your cues; they’re listening to the longueur. And they have to keep their balance when people are doing moves on their back, neck, and croup. They have to see that as not a big deal. So there’s a lot of mental training, but there’s also a lot of fitness training to teach them to carry themselves with all that going on.

Now, even when I jump my horse that we’ve been training for vaulting, I find he has a steady, more adjustable canter going into jumps. So I think the vaulting has helped them, too, and I think they enjoy the cross-training.

38 FALL ISSUE 2023

This year, Ciara and I are competing in team freestyle together, where up to three people can be on the horse at a time. This is a great way for us to spend time together. I think half the allure of it is that we are doing something together. My husband is a farm manager, so we’ve always lived on farms and hung out at the barn together. But competing and training your horses together has made it that much better.

I’ve seen Ciara grow so much, as an athlete and a person. The artistic nature of her freestyles has really blossomed. And to see her confidence and love of the sport—I just love watching that.

What would I tell people about vaulting?

You’re never too old. Just go out there and do it. And I promise horses keep you young.

Kim and Ciara Doyle live in Paris, Ky., and vault with Fleur de Lis Vaulters in Lexington, Ky.

“It’s definitely improved our relationship, as well as our connection with the horses,” Ciara Doyle (right) says of vaulting with her mother, Kim. “It helps a lot that we both have a goal with our horses that we can work toward together.”

PHOTO: LESLIE POTTER/US EQUESTRIAN

I AM US EQUESTRIAN

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ARIAT ICONS For Ariat’s 30th anniversary, we take a look at six of the company’s time-tested and most beloved styles.

When Ariat was founded in 1993, the company took its name from the legendary 1973 Triple Crown-winning racehorse Secretariat, who famously was foaled with an unusually large heart that powered him past his rivals time after time. He’s an apt touchstone for Ariat, which has built a reputation on its durable, attractive, and equestrian-tested boots and clothing for

Relentless Futurity: Handsome Is and Does Another successful modern take on cowboy tradition, the Relentless Futurity boot won’t let you down, whether you’re roping a steer, competing in reining, or bringing in your winter stock of hay at the ranch. Designed in collaboration with 26-time world champion cowboy Trevor Brazile, the Relentless Futurity collection features a narrow cutter toe, roughout leather foot, and an eye-catching stitch pattern—and backs it all up with superior stability and comfort, including an extra layer of heel-to-toe cushioning.

all, from Western ranchlands to Wellington ringside and everywhere in between.

Ariat’s record, like Secretariat’s, has stood the test of time. Even as the company became known for innovation and market-leading styles, it also has seen several of its staple offerings become not just classics, but icons—must-haves for every equestrian’s collection.

Ravello: A Modern Classic Ariat introduced its first English tall boot in 1997 and today offers over 100 different sizes to match a variety of foot and calf sizes and rider heights, delivering a custom-like fit for a vast range of equestrians. The Ravello boot, a key pillar of the brand, exemplifies the artful combination of tradition and innovation that has won Ariat devotion from English riders. Italian craftsmanship and soft, premium calfskin leather meet modern features like ATS® technology’s ergonomic support and the traction of Duratread™ sole. The effect is a great beauty with a work ethic and high standards to match your own.

Sunstopper: Eternally Cool A runaway hit with equestrians of all ages and persuasions, Ariat’s Sunstopper delivers on all its promise: sun protection, odor resistance, mesh paneling, and style so cool it rivals the fabric’s heat-busting technology. There’s no prettier way to beat the heat in or out of the saddle. From elegant solids to fun equestrian-themed prints, the Sunstopper understandably is here to stay.

42 FALL ISSUE 2023

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Kirby: Versatile Style Ariat’s original Kirby shirt is still going strong with updated styling and ultra-convenient wrinkle-resistance. What hasn’t changed: solid, practical construction and showstopping good looks. Available in a full lineup of fun patterns—stripes, checks, paisley, and more—to add spice and style to one of Ariat’s more versatile wardrobe staples.

Pro Series: The Class Act The Men’s Pro Series woven shirt line more than meets the demands of modern equestrian life with performance features like moisture-wicking fabric, an interior mesh panel on the back yoke for added comfort and breathability, and distinctive Greater Arm Mobility technology. But it harks to the Western style we all love, continuing its timeless appeal with seasonal plaids and a traditional design that’s easy on the eye. Paired with Ariat’s popular denim, it’s a look that signals strength, hardiness, and independence, just like its cowboy heritage.

Artico and Tri Factor: One Great Look Tried and true, the Artico show coat and Tri Factor breech update the tailored good looks of the rider ready to show with high-performance features like Moisture Movement Technology™, flex fabrication, machine-washability, and brilliant innovations—like the hidden zipper under the Artico’s button placket and slimming Core Control Technology™ in the Tri Factor—for that clean, streamlined look. But those nods to modern life don’t sacrifice the understated elegance that English competition has always demanded.

Don’t have one of these great Ariat originals in your wardrobe yet? Celebrate Ariat’s 30 years of outfitting equestrian life with quality and innovation by shopping online or at your local Ariat retailer today.

44 FALL ISSUE 2023

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• Equine Fundamentals Forum — Educational presentations, exhibits, and activities for new riders and horse owners.

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• Youth Activities and much, much more!

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Mike Major Julie Goodnight Brandi Lyons Jason Irwin Chelsea Canedy

Phillip Dutton (Eventing) Steffen Peters (Dressage) Andrew Welles (Hunter/Jumper) Greg Robinson (Ranch Horse, Reined Cow Horse)

Mark Bolender (Mountain Trail) Jeanne McDonald (Dressage) Stacey Giere (Driving) Bronwyn Irwin (Pole Bending) Lynn Newton (Western Dressage)

Carl Bledsoe (Easy Gaited Horses) Matt McHugh (Trailer Driving) Sam & Kellie Rettinger (Draft Horses) Jim Masterson (Equine Bodywork) Marty Whittle (Equi Yoga) Copper Hill Vaulting Team (Vaulting)

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Top: “When we travel, we go together, and we make so many memories together,” Southern Methodist University head coach Carol Gwin said of SMU’s combined English and Western Equestrian Team, which earned the National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s 2023 dual-discipline national championship.

Right: A shared love of horses can lead to lifelong friendships, opportunities, and a network of support.

48 FALL ISSUE 2023

THAT FAMILY FEELING Life with horses creates kinship among equestrians from a variety of backgrounds, but there are also useful tips to cultivate great barn communities and help them thrive.

PHOTOS: KEAGEN PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY, SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY

BY GLENYE CAIN OAKFORD & EMILY GIRARD

It’s something equestrians often say: “my barn family.”

For many who work with horses and live an equestrian lifestyle, the idea that their barn community is like a second family makes perfect sense. For some, of course, the barn family is their literal family business. Others might identify their barn communities as the source of their closest, most familial relationships, by happenstance or by choice.

Whatever its configuration or role in a particular individual’s life, the community feeling that grows among those who love horses isn’t trivial. It can create lasting bonds, transcend differences, sustain equestrians through periods of transition or loss, and spread important knowledge and skills, as well as good cheer and great fun.

A natural kinship among equestrians often emerges on its own wherever they gather to take lessons or board, train, and compete their horses. But many of the people who operate equestrian programs say that, like any relationship, the “barn family” culture really thrives when it’s cultivated with the intention of creating a cohesive, supportive, and positive environment.

“I think building camaraderie is something we all need to strive for,” said Julie Daniel of Daniel Training Center in Cave Creek, Ariz., which specializes in training, showing, and marketing Arabian and half-Arabian horses and also teaches lessons for riders at all levels. “Creating relationships is a really good thing to do. It furthers your own riding experience but also helps the industry move forward, as well.

“That journey together, emotionally and educationally, with the horses allows you to grow and expand your knowledge of the sport,” she continued. “It also provides inspiration to strive for the next level, whether it’s with the horses, in your personal life, or in your work life. That community around you can provide positive feedback or advice for difficult situations or offer moral support during difficult times. The barn as a whole should be a place for people to feel comfortable, and from there you do start to build what can really feel like a family.”

The rewards of that family feeling are worth it, many say, from both a business and a personal standpoint.

“We’ve made a lot of lifelong friends,” said Ann Miller of Miller Equestrian Services, a Morgan and American Saddlebred program she owns with her husband, Frank, in Escondido, Calif.

The Millers offer boarding, instruction in multiple disciplines, sales, and therapeutic riding. “We have customers that have been customers for 30-plus years, and their children had children ride here. We’ve got one family with four generations that have had horses with us over the years. Those are long-term relationships that I think sometimes you miss in today’s world.”

Start at the Top So how does one encourage that sort of culture to take root?

Trainers, lesson-program managers, and coaches we spoke with recommended starting with yourself. Being intentional about positivity and modeling it can attract others with the same attitude, starting a positive cycle that can boost your own enthusiasm as well as others’.

“Creating a positive, supportive barn environment from the start is very important—creating relationships, mutual respect, and support among riders, trainers, coaches, staff members, all those things,” Daniel said. “As a coach or a trainer, you have to lead by example and invest in building respect and relationships across the board with your student base. I also think that instituting rules around the expectations for respect and safety in a barn can help create an environment of trust between everybody involved.

“I have a set of rules that everybody has to follow, and they include social media,” Daniel added. “We just don’t let the drama happen. I think that that makes it a happy place for everybody.”

Be prepared to defend that culture, too.

“Standing by your morals and how you let people treat you and other people in your barn is a big thing,” explained Kelly Kraegel, who specializes in Morgan horses and offers training, USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 49

Clockwise from above: “You’ve got to help everyone find a place, find a role,” says SMU Equestrian Team head coach Carol Gwin. “There are a lot of members of a barn family that can offer support.”

Working with horses in a positive barn community can transform a shy child, says Frank Miller of Miller Equestrian, in Escondido, Calif.

“It gets them to open up, have responsibilities, and grow,” he said Academy instructor Lauren Stephenson celebrates a good lesson with student Alexandra Lyons at Daniel Training Center in Cave Creek, Ariz.

In a supportive environment, people come together and form bonds with both horses and barnmates, and these can last a lifetime.

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Encourage Respect and Empathy Horses draw people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, which Gwin sees as a learning opportunity for her student athletes. To help break barriers and encourage riders’ respect for each other’s disciplines, she sometimes has her students swap disciplines.

“We have jumping seat athletes that have competed in all the medals and the jumpers; we have Western athletes that have primarily competed in reining and horsemanship,” she said.

“When I first came to SMU 10 years ago, I thought the first thing that needed to happen was that they all needed to get to know each other and respect the disciplines of their teammates. So we put the jumper girls on the Western horses and vice versa.

That’s always fun. We’ve done other things, too, to help them get to know their teammates on a closer level. And when we travel, we go together, and we make so many memories together.”

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT): AVERY WALLACE/US EQUESTRIAN, NICOLE BARBOUR/THE MORGAN HORSE, COURTESY OF DANIEL TRAINING CENTER, AVERY WALLACE/US EQUESTRIAN

lessons, and sales at her Cottonwood Creek Ranch in Oklahoma City. “We’ve had to not be afraid to tell someone that something they’re doing is not acceptable behavior and we don’t do that here. Or if they’re just refusing to become kind and are not adding to the positivity, but constantly sucking it out, then don’t be afraid to tell them you’re probably not the right place for them.

Usually, the feeling is pretty mutual.”

It helps to treat everyone equally, says Carol Gwin, the head coach for Southern Methodist University’s Western and hunt seat equestrian team, which won the National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s dual-discipline national championship title this year.

“In my jumping seat group, I have something like three or four kids that have won most of the major medal finals in the country, and they’re not going to do anything different on the team or get different equipment than someone else who hasn’t done that,” Gwin explained. “Everybody is going to rotate through the college-owned horses; you don’t get to ride the nicest horse because of who you are. The second part of that is just to be fair and honest with people.”

Gwin said Western and jumping seat athletes travel together to meets and might also share lockers at home, which helps nudge them out of their comfort zone and encourages team members to get to know each other.

With a team of 35-40 equestrians, Gwin noted, “Everyone is definitely going to learn some tolerance. The whole team may not be your best friend, but you’ll end up with a group of women that you hang out with. They learn to go out in groups, be safe, and look out for each other. Our team also represents something like 30 states and two or three different countries, so they’re also going to deal with kids from different backgrounds and different cultures. And I think along the way, a lot of them discover that they’re battling the same demons, like insecurity or struggles over their sense of self-worth, and the neat part is that in that college athletics atmosphere everybody learns a skill set that helps them in life.”

Focus on the Journey For barns geared primarily around competition, fostering that family feeling can mean something as simple as encouraging equestrians to watch and cheer for each other not only during their competitive performances, but also for their individual accomplishments at home.

“It isn’t necessarily about how much money you have or how many blue ribbons you win, as long as you do your best to be as good as you can be at your skills,” Miller Equestrian’s Ann Miller said. “We’ve had a lot of success with teaching kids to ride what they have and do the best they can.”

Gwin agrees and adds that even in a competitive team environment, there are multiple ways for people to contribute.

“You’ve got to help everyone find a place, find a role. And maybe the role changes as their skills or interests change,” she said. “Everybody’s goal when they walk in here is to be a competing rider for the team. But if there are only 20 spots to do that, maybe they aren’t that person that year. But there are a lot of members of a barn family that can offer support. Maybe they

help manage the social media for the team or help the coaches.

All of those things are what generates that family atmosphere.”

Be Transparent Daniel, of Daniel Training Center, provides a 30- to 45-minute intro to newcomers to explain what her program is like, which can head off misunderstandings and potential mismatches.

“It’s a good way to lay down what our culture is,” she said.

“We let them know that their first visit isn’t about riding for 30 minutes; you are coming to see the facility, get introduced to the horses and the instructors, and learn about us. We have handouts and the whole nine yards, and they do get a sample ride.

“I’d say our comeback rate after these intros is about 95%, and I think it’s made a huge difference. We also invite the public to our tournaments, and we get lessons from that. There are a lot of ways to get the community involved.”

For Ann and Frank Miller of Miller Equestrian, that also means opening up to school groups and local media on occasion, which has brought positive experiences and connected their program to the wider local community.

“There are several schools around us, and they bring kids by,” Frank said. “It’s like a community thing. We’ve had numerous news people out here, and they had us on TV several times.

When we do well in shows in Oklahoma or Kentucky, they’ll come and interview us and put us in the paper. And we’ll take horses to the schools so all the kids can see them and so the students can ride them a little bit.”

Innovate and Make It Fun Fun activities for the barn community can have an outsized positive impact as members of the barn family add their own enthusiasm, as the Millers found when they hosted a parentchild class at one of their shows.

“Some of the parents were beginners, so we brought some beginner horses into the horse show so they could compete,” USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 51

Sharing stable tasks and the care of horses and ponies can build camaraderie and deepen respect among boarders, students, and staff.

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PHOTOS (FROM TOP): SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY, JOHN TOROK

Top to bottom: “The horses are fun. Coming to the barn is fun. That compounds when you have other people to share it with,” says Cottonwood Creek Ranch’s Kelly Kraegel.

said Ann. “They had a ball. They practiced a couple of weeks beforehand, and they all had their matching team shirts that they created. That kind of stuff goes a long way to making it a community.”

The Millers also host barbecues, parties, and other special events, and they have organized camping with horses and dude ranch visits with farm clients, too.

Good planning and communication, plus a little help from technology, can help keep the fun organized, as Cottonwood Ranch’s Kraegel noted.

“We have an online planner,” she said. “Our riders—whether they’re show riders, first-time riders, campers, anybody—they go online and they create their own profile. They can book their lessons with whichever instructor they want at whichever time they want. They pay and sign the release forms through that, too. We also get their shirt sizes and information for barn shirts from them.

“We also can add them to our barn newsletter, which is a great way to keep in communication with everybody. We’re able to share events going on: parties, trail rides, things that we’re doing at our barn. I think that online planner is a is a huge lifesaver.

“Some of my instructors live 30 minutes away, so you have to cancel a lesson 24 hours out. The online planner helps with that, because if someone cancels too late, instead of us saying you still need to pay for your lesson because you cancelled at the last minute, the computer just automatically bills them for it if they didn’t cancel in time. That’s made it a lot simpler, and no one has to be the bad guy. It’s the computer.”

For Arabian and half-Arabian trainer Daniel, embracing new ways to get word out and foster community spirit is crucial to developing that “barn family” feeling.

“Horse trainers and instructors have got to get out of the box and be more innovative,” she said. “Figure out what’s out there and then bring those things to your farm. You don’t have to be a social media queen, but maybe have a social media group for your customers. The group could be, ‘Hey, the barn is closed today,’ but that group also can be about ‘We’re having an event, you guys need to all come.’ Or maybe it’s a cute meme that makes everybody laugh that day. That’s small, simple stuff, but getting everybody to interact together, that’s a big key.”

Turn that key, and the positivity that follows can benefit everyone: barn owner, manager, boarder, lesson student, and beyond.

“From the lessons, the parents who are watching their kids all get to know each other, and maybe some of their kids go to the same schools or they figure out they live near each other and they’ll start carpooling,” Cottonwood Creek Ranch’s Kraegel said. “A lot of those lesson kids will become good friends, and then it’s kind of fun to see them meet, because they’ll start crossing over into getting to know the people at the barn who show horses. It’s kind of a neat little exchange.

“It’s all fun. The horses are fun. Coming to the barn is fun,” she added. “That compounds when you have other people to share it with. To be able to cheer each other on and help each other, and to be able to share it with other people, just makes it a lot more fun for everyone involved.”

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by Emily Girard

INDS

Neurodivergent equestrians, whether riding for pleasure, competition, or therapy, say they gain a lot from their interactions with horses and the equestrian community. And there are steps trainers and riding programs can take to enhance neurodivergent equestrians’ experiences and facilitate those benefits.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 57

Sam Cimineri has been riding horses since they were six years old, practicing a variety of disciplines including saddle seat, jumping, Western pleasure, and Western dressage. When asked what they want the world to know about them as a neurodivergent equestrian, their answer was simple: “I’m worthy.”

“I may have more rough days than some people, and my progress isn’t as linear as other people’s, but I’d just like to be accepted,” they said. “I just want to see the world be kinder to people like me, because everyone is human. Everyone is deserving of love and respect.”

Cimineri is one of many people with autism or other neurodivergences who have found connection with horses. Another, Deborah Lipsky, has been working with horses for over 40 years, and says that, due to her autism, she has felt an implicit understanding of them.

“Animals like horses and cows have a fight-or-flight response; people with autism—a lot of us—have a fight-or-flight response or dominant peripheral vision,” she said. “It’s easier to connect with an animal that has the same visual style.”

Lipsky is an author and presenter who has been writing autism-centered books for over 10 years. Many of her talks, such as one she delivered to Path International alongside psychologist Dr. Will Richards, highlight the benefits of equine therapy and explain what she sees as the “natural therapeutic relationship” between horses and many autistic people. Lipsky herself has raised miniature horses in Maine and also is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

“Horses don’t like really sharp, loud noises. Neither do a lot of people with autism,” Lipsky said. “It’s how I learn social skills. I actually learned the dos and don’ts of communicating with people … by just watching my animals.”

Lipsky is not the only person to recognize this connection. Deanna Mancuso, the founder and executive director of Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, a USEF Community Outreach

Organization in Dover Plains, N.Y., allows her therapy clients to interact with and observe her horses to determine their social dynamics.

“They’re given time to introduce themselves to the horses, much like you would if you walked into a new class or a party or a networking event,” Mancuso said. “Do you walk right up to people and introduce yourself? Do you stay against the wall and wait for people to come to you? When you do introduce yourself to a brand-new person, is it at an arm’s distance away?

Is it a handshake? Is it a hug? Where are your boundaries?

And we get to see how they interact with the horses. They just basically observe the herd, and they look for things that stand out to them. Are the horses introverted? Extroverted? Social?

Eating? Is one off by itself? Who’s the leader? Then they’ll pick a horse that they most identify with.” “[Horses] seem to sense people with disabilities. Their demeanor changes; they become quieter and more understanding,” Lipsky added. “If [equestrians] have trouble interacting with human beings, it’s better to start out with animals they can understand better. There’s a social interaction that starts to occur, and you don’t get that from forced interaction.”

Meeting Neurodivergent Needs Dwayne Vargas, a 19-year-old autistic equestrian, said he has been interested in animals all his life, sharing his energy and personality with the horses he works with.

“I am a kindhearted per“There’s a social interaction son, but I can have so much that starts to occur, and you personality. I don’t even know don’t get that from forced what kind of person I am even interaction,” autistic equestrian acting [like] here,” Vargas said. and author Deborah Lipsky “I know I can be a little bit says of the connection that can excited whenever a horse develop between horses and starts to feel so energetic.” neurodivergent people.

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Above: Devon Stone, adaptive services director at the USEF Community Outreach Organization Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Redmond, Wash., notes many neurodivergent people feel comfortable in a barn. “There are a lot of things that are very comforting for us because of the way our brain works and moves,” they said.

PHOTOS: SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY, KIMBERLY LIND PHOTOGRAPHY, RAIL SIDE MEDIA

Below: “Everything that is in your environment shapes you into this unique individual, and that’s something to be proud of and celebrate,” says neurodivergent jumping athlete Morgan Attridge.

Vargas takes riding lessons at the USEF Community Outreach Organization Horses of Hope, a therapeutic riding center in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Elaine Cosby, the executive director at Horses of Hope, said the main priority of the center’s lessons is connection with the horse, with emphasis on the rider’s individuality.

“The horses aren’t the same; they’re all individuals. So when we do an intake evaluation, we’re looking at, how does this person’s energy match with our horses?” Cosby said. “If there’s a sensory issue, we’ll look at, for example, reins. You’re holding them in your hands, so [do you need] a soft rein with a lot of stretch? What about a more thin, firm, braided rein?”

Cosby hopes to expand the sensory experiences offered at Horses of Hope through a new sensory trail at their farm. The features Cosby projects for the trail include signs with icons [for equestrians] to match up, ribbons of plastic that emulate a waterfall, mailboxes containing aromatic items, and bamboo pipes hanging from the trees that participants can hit with a stick to make different noises.

“They’re things that become part of the environment, but also, they’re sensory. That’s learning to partner with the horse to go through those things, because horses get nervous when they see stuff sometimes,” Cosby said. “This really helps everybody be a good team together and experience new things.”

Vargas says he enjoys trail riding and looks forward to the trail’s expansion, despite his occasional nervousness.

“I usually get nervous, but after a while, I just have to think of something that makes me calm, and that’s how all the nervousness is gone,” Vargas said. “Sometimes doing trotting is a little bit fun, and sometimes it can get a little bit out of control. … After a while, I got used to it.”

Devon Stone, the adaptive services director at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, a USEF Community Outreach Organization in Redmond, Wash., said that despite occasional sensory issues with helmets and boots, many neurodivergent people are very comfortable in a barn setting.

“It’s very quiet, there’s a lot of routine, there’s a lot of things that are very comforting for us because of the way our brain works and moves,” they said. “We try to keep the same courses and the same volunteers as much as we can to provide that routine. We also try very hard to warn families if we know a change may be difficult for an individual client, and we listen to the client’s feedback to us.”

Additionally, Little Bit often individualizes its lessons to clients’ needs and preferences.

“Some clients really do not enjoy certain activities. Some of them we have to be very clear and specific on—we have to ride while we wear a helmet, right? The other things we try to be flexible on,” Stone said. “If you really dislike trotting, then we don’t ever have to. We’ll just stay at a walk.”

Stone explained that their favorite aspect of Little Bit’s riding program is the fact that it is non-specific.

“We are not a reining program, we’re not a Western pleasure program, we’re not a dressage program,” they said. “We teach USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 59

balanced and centered riding within a horse’s movement, and we pride ourselves on opening our doors to all disability categories and skill levels, which is something that is really uncommon today, even in traditional riding. There was a period where we could have shifted to something different, and I think that while we would have been really successful, we wouldn’t have had the same opportunities for our clients.”

Cimineri, who rides horses both therapeutically and in competition, said they have had success with their barn, Horse Power Healing Center in Eagle, Wisc.

“I had a sensory assessment recently, and [the assessor] really recommended hippotherapy, but that’s kind of hard to find for advanced riders,” they said. “I feel like it’s mainly more for individuals who are beginners, but I’m very happy to have found a place that accommodates me in my skills instead of having to bump me down and limit my ability.”

“Truly Attempting to Include Everyone”

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Above: Dwayne Vargas, a 19-year-old autistic equestrian at the USEF Community Outreach Organization Horses of Hope in Isabela, Puerto Rico, aboard his favorite horse, Chocolate.

again. Sometimes I was juggling one horse, sometimes I was juggling two,” Attridge said. “It really it taught me that autonomy and responsibility.”

Attridge also said that due to the early intervention she received as a child, she is now able to support other neurodivergent equestrians.

“All of my barriers were caught early, and I had that privilege … so I want to be that support for other people,” Attridge said.

“This sport is truly about attempting to include everyone. As a woman, I compete against men on an equal playing field. As someone who is neurodivergent, I compete against and ride among many riders who may or may not also be neurodivergent.”

Despite this inclusivity, Cimineri explained that the equestrian community still has work to do when it comes to providing a comfortable atmosphere for neurodivergent people.

“I’ve had a lady reach out to me saying that I was being a brat at shows, when actually I was having a meltdown because of sensory issues. And it wasn’t over my placings in the previous class; the coat that I was wearing was bothering me, and it was too hot outside,” Cimineri said. “I’d really like to see more people educate themselves on neurodiversity, specifically autism since I’m autistic, and what that can look like, how it affects the person, those kinds of symptoms.”

Attridge, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue’s Mancuso, and Kelsie McGladrey, the therapy director at Little Bit, all emphasized

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HORSES OF HOPE, SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Of course, therapeutic riding is not the only place you can find neurodivergent equestrians.

“People talk about differences like anybody with a difference is in a separate community, doing separate things, and that bothers me,” Horses of Hope’s Cosby said. “I feel like there’s just a discussion as if they live apart or what little crevices do they fit into.”

“I am an individual who is neurodivergent, and I have appreciated having a community where not only can I find support within my own riding, but can provide that to others,” Stone said.

“Therapeutic riding in and of itself is a little bit of a misnomer because it started out as something that is very different today.

Today, the focus is on these individuals participating in equestrian sports at the same or a similar level as their non-neurodivergent peers, and I think that that’s been a really cool shift.”

Another equestrian, jumping athlete Morgan Attridge, has been riding horses for over 15 years, and she explained that her neurodivergence has shaped her personality just as much as her horses, coaches, and family.

“Everything that is in your environment shapes you into this unique individual, and that’s something to be proud of and celebrate,” she said. “I sometimes overstimulate myself with all the things that I want to do, and that causes stress for me … but sky’s the limit.”

Attridge also is co-captain of the equestrian team at Queens University in Ontario, Canada.

“I had a little bit of a tougher time learning, but I was able to individualize my learning and continue in a sport that helped me maintain and manage a lot of the life skills that I now have,” she said.

Attridge explained that her equestrian career taught her vital time management and leadership skills.

“I had to go to school during the day. I needed to get picked up from school, dropped off at the barn, and picked back up

the importance of providing riders with an environment that meets their needs.

“I aim to establish a comfortable environment for my team where, if they are nervous or unsure, they know that they can talk to me or my co-captain,” Attridge said. “As a rider, I value support from my coaches, so I provide support and understanding to my team. Establishing a positive relationship with your horse, having fun, and learning something are what take priority (along with being safe, of course).”

“I will work taking into consideration both their physical need and their emotional and sensory regulation,” McGladrey said. “The horses give a lot of input to their riders or clients, which will affect the sensory system in a lot of ways. I (as a therapist) get involved with our adaptive instructors to help them match the right movement with their client to set them up for success.”

“With all of our clients, we meet them all where they are,” Mancuso said. “We just have to be very literal and clear so that they can have a very precise understanding of what’s happening in the arena.”

get to tell them to go, to walk, to go this direction. It gives them that aspect of having some control, and it gives them some independence up there.”

“I’m one of those persons that are interested in doing something outside rather than inside and being with horses,” Vargas, the equestrian at Horses of Hope, said. “It just made me totally feel well. Peaceful, sometimes. This is how that makes me fit in. Because when I’m outside, I feel free. Free like our ancestors were.”

“I know it’s crazy, but there’s a sense of identity [with horses],” Lipsky, the autistic author, presenter, and equestrian, said. “I can’t imagine a life without them.”

Expanding Opportunities Stone, of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding, explained that this precise approach, addressing clients’ specific needs, can be easily transferable.

“Barns could do small things to open up their doors and provide not just a welcome mat, but a willingness to invite people through that doorway. And it’s very small things, like advertising that your staff has had specific training or asking parents specific questions about what their child’s needs are,” they said. “The needs of neurodivergent folks are on a huge spectrum. … You would just need to educate yourself on what structures could be in in place to provide that student with the accommodations they need.”

“I do think people are making a lot of great strides towards being more accepting and inclusive. I’ve definitely seen a shift, and it’s really important to talk about these things,” Cimineri added. “Things are still changing in a good way. It’s going to take some time.”

Overall, neurodivergent equestrians are seeing an expansion in opportunities and inclusion, both within riding itself and the wider equestrian community.

“Getting clients up on horseback is such a huge confidence booster,” McGladrey said.

“Individuals with disabilities are often told about things they can’t do or limitations, and here they get to sit up on a horse, and they

Horses of Hope Executive Director Elaine Cosby says neurodivergent students’ sensory issues can inspire programs to adapt around details other equestrians might not notice, like the feel of one type of rein versus another.

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FOR THE RECORD

Penalties for Rule Violations OFFICIAL NOTICES Contributed by the Regulation Department unless otherwise indicated. The following official notices are only intended to give penalty information for a given case and not to disclose the factual basis for each violation or penalty. For matters heard by the Hearing Committee, a Hearing Panel decides each case based on the evidence presented at the hearing and takes into account many factors that may raise or lower a given penalty. For example, the Hearing Committee takes into account such things as whether the violation was intentional or unintentional, the nature of the violation, the credibility of witnesses, Penalty Guidelines, penalties in similar cases, past violations of Federation rules by a respondent, and many other mitigating factors.

US Equestrian members can access and search the United States Equestrian Federation Suspension List online at USequestrian.org. Hover over the Compete tab on the homepage. In the menu that appears, click Ineligibility List under Rules, Regulations, and Grievances.

PHILIPPA AMMANN, of Wellington, Fla., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the SFHJA 72nd Annual Charity Horse Show held on November 23-27, 2022, in that she, as trainer and owner, exhibited the horse BA L L A R I N E D E RAV E L after it had been administered and/or contained in its body flunixin in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For these violations, it was determined that PHILIPPA AMMANN be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for these violations of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by BALLARINE DE RAVEL at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

MAYA SIMMONS of Hoffman, N.C., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Winter Spectacular III Horse Show held on January 18-22, 2023, in that she, as trainer and owner, exhibited the horse GLOBAL CROWN after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level and guaifenesin.

For this violation, it was determined that MAYA SIMMONS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for 64 FALL ISSUE 2023

this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by GLOBAL CROWN at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

ELAINE SCHOTT of Versailles, Ky., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the World Equestrian Center Winter Classic #8 Horse Show held on February 1-5, 2023, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse BRIGHTON after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level and guaifenesin.

For this violation, it was determined that ELAINE SCHOTT be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by BRIGHTON at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

ROSIE POWERS of Middleburg, Va., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Winter Spectacular VII Horse Show held on February 15-19, 2023, in that the horse CARABELLO was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine. The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in

the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that ROSIE POWERS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by CARABELLO at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

DAGMAR GORDIANO of Scottsdale, Ariz., violated AR105.3 of this Federation in connection with the U.S. National Arabian & Half-Arabian National Championship Horse Show held on October 21-29, 2022, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse MARSHAHNA MOUJIZAH JN after it had been administered and/or contained on its body gingerol.

For this violation, it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, DAGMAR GORDIANO shall be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for two (2) months and excluded from all competition grounds (cannot be on grounds from the time participants are admitted on the competition grounds until the last time for departure. For example, suspended individuals may not be on competition grounds during schooling or other such days prior to the start of the competition for any

purpose, including such things as coaching riders, training or schooling horses, or trailering horses on or off competition grounds during licensed competitions) for that period: (1) as an exhibitor, participant, or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities, (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any licensed competition; and (4) from attending, observing, or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities. Regulations as to suspended persons are set forth in detail in General Rule 704.

The two-month suspension shall commence on November 1, 2023, and terminate at midnight on December 31, 2023. Any horse or horses owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in his name or for his reputation (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c for the same period.

(800) 844-1409

DAGMAR GORDIANO was also fined $2,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by MARSHAHNA MOUJIZAH JN at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

JOAN BOYCE, of Greensboro, N.C., violated Chapter 10, GR1004.2, of this Federation in that in connection with the Lexington Country Horse Show I held January 19-22, 2023, she served as Jumper Judge although her Jumper License had not been renewed prior to officiating.

BAYMAR FARMS, INC, of Morganville, N.J., as Competition Management, violated Chapter 3, GR302.1.h.3, of this Federation in that in connection with the Baymar Farms, Inc Horse Show held December 10, 2022, they offered and held Low Adult Hunters, although the competition was not licensed to hold this section.

The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Baymar Farms Inc., following an investigation and review of competition records, during which they fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.

The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Ms. Boyce following an investigation and review of competition records, during which Ms. For their violation of the Rules, Boyce fully cooperated with the it was determined that BAYMAR Federation. In determining the FARMS, INC be censured pursuant proper penalty, the Federation to GR703.1a and fined in the amount (800) 844-1409 took into account the seriousness of $100, pursuant to GR703.1.k. of the violation and determined K E L LY LO R E K , o f M a n that the following penalties were chaca, Texas, violated Chapter appropriate.

8, GR802.1, of this Federation in

The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Ms. Lorek following an investigation and review of competition records, during which Ms. Lorek fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.

For her violation of the Rules, it was determined that KELLY LOREK be censured pursuant to GR703.1a and fined in the amount of $250, pursuant to GR703.1.k.

TIM MURRAY, of Hamilton, Mass., violated Chapter 8, GR848.3, of this Federation in that in connection with The Event at Rebecca Farm held July 20-24, 2022, he failed to call-in and/or report accidents that were marked serious on the USEF Accident/ Injury Report Form, to the FederaUSRIDER.ORG tion within 24 hours.

USRIDER.ORG The Federation resolved this

For her violation of the Rules, it was determined that JOAN BOYCE be censured pursuant to GR703.1a and fined in the amount of $100, pursuant to GR703.1.k.

that in connection with the Texas Winter Frost Fire Horse Show held December 15-18, 2022, she permitted a client’s horse to be exhibited with artificial markings.

matter through an informal resolution with Mr. Murray following an investigation and review of competition records. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation and determined

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FOR THE RECORD that the following penalty was appropriate.

For his violation of the Rules, it was determined that TIM MURRAY be fined in the amount of $300, pursuant to GR703.1.k.

LONE STAR HORSE SHOW MANAGEMENT, as Competition Management, violated Chapter 3, GR302.1.h.3, of this Federation in that in connection with the Thanksgiving Show held December 8-11, 2022, the competition offered and held miscellaneous Hunter classes and age-restricted Hunter Seat Equitation classes, although the competition was not licensed to hold these sections.

The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Lone Star Show Management, following an investigation and review of competition records, during which they cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.

For their violation of the Rules, it was determined that LONE STAR HORSE SHOW MANAGEMENT be censured pursuant to GR703.1a and fined in the amount of $100, pursuant to GR703.1.k.

G U L F COA S T C L A S S I C COMPANY, LTD, as Competition Management, violated Chapter 12, GR1211.4.f.2, of this Federation in that in connection with the Gulf Coast Magnolia Classic Horse Show held February 22-26, 2023, the competition ran five performance areas simultaneously, although only one Steward was on duty.

The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Gulf Coast Classic Company, Ltd., following an investigation and review of competition records, during which they fully cooperated with the Federation.

In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.

For their violation of the Rules, it was determined that GULF COAST CLASSIC COMPANY, LTD be censured pursuant to GR703.1a and fined in the amount of $500, pursuant to GR703.1.k.

ELLENMARIE ETTENGER, from Parrish, Fla., as Competition Manager, and HENNING CLAUSEN, from Denmark, as Technical Delegate, violated Chapter 8, GR848.4e, of this Federation in that in connection with the Spring Fling CDE held February 22-26, 66 FALL ISSUE 2023

2023, on behalf of Mr. Clausen, Ms. Ettenger submitted 12 days late to the Federation an Accident/Injury Report Form which noted a serious injury and possible concussion.

The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with both parties, following an investigation and review of competition records, whereby Ms. Ettenger fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.

For these violations of the Rules, it was determined that ELLENMARIE ETTENGER be censured pursuant to GR703.1a and fined in the amount of $300, pursuant to GR703.1.k.

KENDALL CASACCIO of Marmora, N.J., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Ocala Winter Classic Horse Show held on February 7-12, 2023, in that she, as trainer and owner, exhibited the horse INDIGO ES after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level and guaifenesin.

For this violation, it was determined that KENDALL CASACCIO be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j.

It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by INDIGO ES at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

CARLEIGH FEDORKA of Lexington, Ky., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation, in connection with the Spring Bay HT Horse Show held on April 15-16, 2023, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse GREAT SHOT SAM after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level and guaifenesin.

For this violation, it was determined that CARLEIGH FEDORKA be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by GREAT SHOT SAM at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

JANE FENNESSY of Riviera Beach, Fla., violated Chapter 4,

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GR410, of this Federation, in connection with the Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC. Spring 2 Horse Show held on April 12-16, 2023, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse JAGERMEISTER after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level and guaifenesin.

For this violation, it was determined that JANE FENNESSY be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,250 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. The fine was enhanced due to a prior ruling. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by JAGERMEISTER, at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

SUSAN THOMAS of Athens, Ga., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Poplar Place April Horse Trials held on April 15-16, 2023, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse EXCEL STAR CHIMICHANGA after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level and guaifenesin.

For this violation it was determined that SUSAN THOMAS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by EXCEL STAR CHIMICHANGA, at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

LISELOTTE SANDBERG of Boca Raton, Fla., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Global Dressage Festival 6 Horse Show held on February 17-19, 2023, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse UNDERCOVER V after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine. The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that LISELOTTE SANDBERG be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by UNDERCOVER V at said competition must be redistributed pursuant

to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

LUCY DESBIENS of Albany, Ore., as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the March Horse Trials At Majestic Oaks held on March 24-26, 2023, in that the horse TAPPIN THE KEG was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine. The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that LUCY DESBIENS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by TAPPIN THE KEG at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

MEGAN STAUCH of Summerville, S.C., as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the F.E.N.C.E. Horse Trials Horse Show held on April 15-16, 2023, in that the horse FULL GALLOP’S WOO PIG SOOIE was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine.

The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that MEGAN STAUCH be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by FULL GALLOP’S WOO PIG SOOIE at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

MONICA DAVIS of Marshall, Va., as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the VADA/ NOVA Spring April Horse Show held on April 8th, 2023, in that the horse DRIEZOON CHARBON NAZARETH was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine.

The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

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FOR THE RECORD

Feel confident in their comfort EQUIOXX® (firocoxib) HAS MORE SAFETY DATA THAN ANY OTHER NSAID.1,2 For a horse, joint disease means living in the shadow of its former self. EQUIOXX helps them escape the shadows with up to 24 hours of pain relief in just one dose1.

Talk to your veterinarian about EQUIOXX. To explore the full Free To Move joint health portfolio visit THEARTOFHORSE.COM

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: As with any prescription medication, prior to use, a veterinarian should perform a physical examination and review the horse’s medical history. A veterinarian should advise horse owners to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity. As a class, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs may be associated with gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal toxicity. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided. EQUIOXX has not been tested in horses less than 1 year of age or in breeding horses, or pregnant or lactating mares.

1 2

EQUIOXX product labels and FOI summaries and supplements Kvaternik V, Pollmeier M, et al, Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of orally administered firocoxib, a novel second generation coxib in horses. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2007;30(3):208-217.

EQUIOXX® is registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA, Inc. ©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-EQU-0392-2022-B

68 FALL ISSUE 2023

For this violation, it was determined that MONICA DAVIS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by DRIEZOON CHARBON NAZARETH at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

JONELLE MULLEN of Middleburg, Va., as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410411, of this Federation in connection with the Rose Mount Farm April Horse Show held on April 12-16, 2023, in that the horse WORTH QUOTING was exhibited after it had been administered and/ or contained in its body cetirizine. The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that JONELLE MULLEN be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by WORTH QUOTING at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

RENAE COATES of Gilbert, Ariz., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Scottsdale Spring Classic Horse Show held on April 5-8, 2023, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse THE DUDE after it had been administered and/or contained in its body dexamethasone in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For this violation, it was determined that RENAE COATES be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by THE DUDE at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

RHONDA GAILEY of Fort McCoy, Fla., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the

World Equestrian Center Dressage XIIII Horse Show held on February 25-26, 2023, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse WOODLANDER SIR GORGEOUS after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine and hydroxyzine.

The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that RHONDA GAILEY be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by WOODLANDER SIR GORGEOUS at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

C LAI R E EI K H O FF o f Hubert, N.C., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Southern Pines Horse Trials I held on March 11-12, 2023, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse TIL VALHALLA after it had been administered and/or contained in its body acepromazine & 2(1-hydroxyethyl) promazine sulfoxide.

For this violation, it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, CLAIRE EIKHOFF shall be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for two (2) months and excluded from all competition grounds (cannot be on grounds from the time participants are admitted on the competition grounds until the last time for departure. For example, suspended individuals may not be on competition grounds during schooling or other such days prior to the start of the competition for any purpose, including such things as: coaching riders, training or schooling horses or trailering horses on or off competition grounds) during licensed competitions for that period: (1) as an exhibitor, participant, or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities; (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation

or in any Licensed Competition; and (4) from attending, observing or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities.

Regulations as to suspended persons are set forth in detail in General Rule 704.

The two-month suspension shall commence on February 1, 2024, and terminate at midnight on March 31, 2024. Any horse or horses owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of hers, or shown in her name or for her reputation (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c for the same period.

CLAIRE EIKHOFF was also fined $3,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by TIL VALHALLA at said competition must be redistributed p u rs u a n t to C h a p te r 7, GR703.1g.

Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-458

Equioxx ® Tablets

(firocoxib) 57mg Brief Summary: This information is not comprehensive. Before using Equioxx ® (firocoxib) tablets, please consult the product insert for full prescribing information. The product insert may be obtained from your veterinarian or by visiting www.equioxx.com.

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Indications: EQUIOXX Tablets are administered once daily for up to 14 days for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses.

Dosage and Administration: Always provide the Client Information Sheet with the prescription. The recommended dosage of EQUIOXX Tablets is one 57 mg tablet administered orally to horses weighing 800 – 1300 lbs, once daily for up to 14 days. For ease of administration, EQUIOXX Tablets may be given with food.

The overall duration of treatment with any firocoxib formulation in horses, including EQUIOXX Tablets, Injection or Oral Paste, should not exceed 14 days. Please see the package insert for EQUIOXX Injection or Oral Paste for appropriate prescribing information for those formulations.

Contraindications: Horses with a hypersensitivity to firocoxib should not receive EQUIOXX Tablets.

Warnings: For use in horses only. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.

Store EQUIOXX Tablets out of the reach of dogs and other pets in a secured location in order to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose.

Human Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans.

Precautions: Horses should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests should be conducted to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data before and periodically during administration of any NSAID. Clients should be advised to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity and be given a Client Information Sheet with each prescription. See Information for Owner or Person Treating Horse section of this package insert.

Treatment with EQUIOXX Tablets should be terminated if signs such as inappetence, colic, abnormal feces, or lethargy are observed.

As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic toxicity. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse events varies with the individual patient. Horses that have experienced adverse reactions from one NSAID may experience adverse reactions from another NSAID. Patients at greatest risk for adverse events are those that are dehydrated, on diuretic therapy, or those with existing renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction. Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be carefully approached or avoided.

NSAIDs may inhibit the prostaglandins that maintain normal homeostatic function. Such anti-prostaglandin effects may result in clinically significant disease in patients with underlying or pre-existing disease that has not been previously diagnosed. Since many NSAIDs possess the potential to produce gastrointestinal ulcerations and/or gastrointestinal perforation, concomitant use of EQUIOXX Tablets with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided.

The concomitant use of protein bound drugs with EQUIOXX Tablets has not been studied in horses. The influence of concomitant drugs that may inhibit the metabolism of EQUIOXX Tablets has not been evaluated. Drug compatibility should be monitored in patients requiring adjunctive therapy.

The safe use of EQUIOXX Tablets in horses less than one year in age, horses used for breeding, or in pregnant or lactating mares has not been evaluated.

Consider appropriate washout times when switching from one NSAID to another NSAID or corticosteroid.

Adverse Reactions: The safety and effectiveness of EQUIOXX Tablets was established in a relative bioavailability study comparing EQUIOXX Tablets and EQUIOXX (firocoxib) Oral Paste. Therefore, additional field studies were not performed to support the effectiveness of EQUIOXX Tablets.

In controlled field studies, 127 horses (ages 3 to 37 years) were evaluated for safety when given EQUIOXX Oral Paste at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) orally once daily for up to 14 days. The following adverse reactions were observed. Horses may have experienced more than one of the observed adverse reactions during the study.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions Seen in U.S. Field Studies with EQUIOXX Oral Paste: Adverse Active Control EQUIOXX n=127 Reactions n=125 Abdominal Pain 0 1 Diarrhea 2 0 Excitation 1 0 Lethargy 0 1 Loose Stool 1 0 Polydipsia 0 1 Urticaria 0 1 In these field trials, EQUIOXX Oral Paste was safely used concomitantly with other therapies, including vaccines, anthelmintics, and antibiotics. The safety data sheet (SDS) contains more detailed occupational safety information.

To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance, or to obtain a copy of the SDS, contact Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. at 1-888-637-4251. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.

Animal Safety: The safety of EQUIOXX Tablets was supported by a relative bioavailability study comparing EQUIOXX Tablets and EQUIOXX Oral Paste (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Relative Bioavailability Study), pharmacovigilance information, and target animal safety data for existing firocoxib containing products in horses. No additional target animal safety studies were conducted with EQUIOXX Tablets.

In a target animal safety study conducted to support the approval of EQUIOXX Oral Paste, firocoxib was administered orally to healthy adult horses (two male castrates and four females per group) at 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg firocoxib/kg body weight (1, 3 and 5X the recommended dose) for 30 days.

Administration of firocoxib at 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg body weight was associated with an increased incidence of oral ulcers as compared to the control group but, no oral ulcers were noted with 0.1 mg/kg. There were no other drugrelated adverse findings in this study.

In another target animal safety study, firocoxib was administered orally to healthy adult horses (four males or male castrates and four females per group) at 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg firocoxib/kg body weight (1, 3 and 5X the recommended dose) for 42 days. Administration of firocoxib at 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg body weight was associated with delayed healing of pre-existing oral (lip, tongue, gingival) ulcers. In addition, the incidence of oral ulcers was higher in all treated groups as compared to the control group.

Clinical chemistry and coagulation abnormalities were seen in several horses in the 0.5 mg/kg (5X) group. One 5X male horse developed a mildly elevated BUN and creatinine over the course of the study, prolonged buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), and a dilated pelvis of the right kidney.

Another 5X male had a similar mild increase in creatinine during the study but did not have any gross abnormal findings. One female in the 5X group had a prolonged BMBT, bilateral tubulointerstitial nephropathy and bilateral papillary necrosis.

Tubulointerstitial nephropathy occurred in one 3X female, two 3X male horses, and the 5X female horse discussed above with the prolonged BMBT. Papillary necrosis was present in one 1X male horse and the 5X female horse discussed above. Despite the gross and microscopic renal lesions, all of the horses were clinically healthy and had normal hematology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis values.

In another target animal safety study, firocoxib was administered orally to healthy adult horses (three females, two male castrates and one male per group) at 0, 0.25 mg/kg, 0.75 mg/kg and 1.25 mg/kg (2.5, 7.5 and 12.5X the recommended dose of 0.1 mg/kg) for 92 days. An additional group of three females, two male castrates and one male per group, was dosed at 1.25 mg/ kg for 92 days but was monitored until Days 147-149. There were treatmentrelated adverse events in all treated groups. These consisted of ulcers of the lips, gingiva and tongue and erosions of the skin of the mandible and head. Gross and microscopic lesions of the kidneys consistent with tubulointerstitial nephropathy were seen in all treated groups. Papillary necrosis was seen in the 2.5X and 12.5X groups. In addition, several 12.5X horses had elevated liver enzymes (GGT, SDH, AST and ALT). One 2.5X horse had increased urine GGT and urine protein levels which was due to renal hemorrhage and nephropathy.

Gastric ulcers of the margo plicatus and glandular area were more prevalent in the 2.5X and 7.5X groups, but not seen in the 12.5X group. The group of horses that were monitored until Days 147-149 showed partial to full recovery from oral and skin ulcers, but no recovery from tubulointerstitial nephropathy.

Storage Information: Store at room temperature, between 59º- 86 º F (15º - 30º C). Brief periods up to 104º F (40º C) are permitted.

How Supplied: EQUIOXX is available as round, beige to tan, half-scored tablets, containing 57 mg firocoxib. EQUIOXX Tablets are supplied in 60 and 180 count bottles.

1 McCann ME, Rickes EL, Hora DF, Cunningham PK et al. In vitro effects and in vivo efficacy of a novel cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in cats with lipopolysaccharide- induced pyrexia. Am J Vet Res. 2005 Jul;66 (7):1278-84 2 McCann ME, Anderson DR, Brideau C et al. In vitro activity and in vivo efficacy of a novel COX-2 inhibitor in the horse. Proceedings of the Academy of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2002. Abstract 114, p.789.

3 Data on file Made in France.

EQUIOXX® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. ©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. All rights reserved.

US-EQU-0381-2022 Ref: 0 053 920787 / 0 053 920791 11-2018

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